Friday, September 13, 2013

Big Band Jazz needs support in Naples – NOW

In just four seasons, Southwest
Florida’s Naples Jazz Orchestra has developed into one of the state’s finest
big bands. That’s no exaggeration. Some of the band's crack musicians drive two or three hours each way to rehearse and perform with the band because the experience is worth the commute. The NJO can hold its own with any big band
anywhere. The issue is – will it have a season five in January through April
2014 and if so, where will it be?

The Naples City Council is
scheduled to holds a workshop on Monday morning and to vote Wednesday whether
to allow the big band to continue to use the band shell at beautiful Cambier Park in downtown
Naples for its Monday evening series. Itis scheduled to open January 6 featuring The Four Freshmen as special
guests.

The mayor and/or other
powers-that-be in Naples apparently feel that parking downtown becomes a problem
during those concerts, which easily draw several thousand listeners with lawn
chairs. More cars in the area on a Monday evening should not be a factor here. The pick up in ancillary business from concert goers at area shops and
restaurants certainly isn’t a problem in my view.

If you’re one of the thousands
who go to these shows, now is the time to step up – and attend the workshop
and/or hearing, or at least to call or email the City Council. If you know one
of the council members personally, definitely pick up the phone.

The Naples Jazz Orchestra with Doc Severinsen

As Musical Director Bob Stone
wrote again today on Facebook: “The
fight is not over, please send an email to: council@naplesgov.com or phone
239-213-1000 and let them know, SAVE THE NAPLES JAZZ ORCHESTRA! PLEASE DO IT
TODAY!”

Anyone who loves live music,
regardless of style, should consider this a personal issue.

Don’t let Naples lose one of its arts treasures.
Keep in mind that more than live music is at stake here. So is jazz education, for the money
raised at the NHO’s concerts support full music scholarships for its youth
orchestra.

It would be folly for the Council to end this
series, not that common sense is a required character trait for politicians near and
far. They also need to remember that musicians and music fans are also voters –
with long memories.